Very often web designers forget one thing, web design is not
just about innovative concepts and beautiful images with eye
candies.
A web site will be visited and utilised by users. The following
are 10 important points you want to note before you begin
your web site
1. Set goals and know understand the objective of
your web design
What is it trying to achieve?
Wow the audiences?
Design a simple web user interface?
2. Design Consistency
Many web pages has more than 10 types of fonts with 20 types
of sizes. Ever seen this type of web design?
Use CSS to help maintain a consistency through out your
web design.
3. Font Type
Use readable font for your audiences. After all, you are
trying to let your audiences understand about this web site
that you have designed.
4. Important information at the top of the page
While if important words are positioned at the top of web
pages, it helps in SEO, this is not the main factor. You
want to convey your message immediately when the page loads.
5. Links
Make sure your links is clearly visible. Do not use the
same text and font and color for links.
6. Usage of images wisely
You want to limit the download time of your users. Do not
load too much graphical images on one page. It turns user
away. Remember, web page design involves users, usability
is a important factor.
7. User Resolution
Consider the resolution of user's screen. While a designer
usually work on huge screen 1200 x 1024, not all internet
users enjoy that luxury.
8. Headings
Use proper heading to let user know which section they are
reading now. Just like a book, you wouldn't read an entire
book without knowing which chapter you are in.
9. Navigation
Ensure your navigation is clear cut and precise. Do not
design a navigation that users will not understand.
10. Design for your targeted audiences, ask for
feedback before you finalise your web design with your
users.
Good looking or bad looking design can be subjective however,
a user friendly web design can never be disputed. It can
be tested if a web site is user friendly or not.
Adrian Lee is CEO of a VibrantStyle Pte Ltd. A Singapore
Web Design, Development & Internet Marketing company
that focus on search engine marketing.
